He told the Guardian: "I don’t think the sums should be too high, but it is obviously legitimate and right that we should pay our dues – we are a law-abiding country – during the period of membership."

And he added: "I am loving this job. It is one of the greatest jobs in the world. It is a fantastic privilege.”

Senior Tory sources claimed the Foreign Secretary has come to terms with payments to the EU continuing after Brexit for a short period in exchange for continued single market access.

Boris has also been reassured that Theresa May will not suggest a Swiss-style model that would see Westminster have to shadow EU laws and euro judges’ verdicts.

He said of cabinet splits yesterday: “We are a nest of singing birds,” despite Home Secretary Amber Rudd accusing him on Sunday of "back-seat driving".